Canada
Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Island
Iona
Things to Do in Iona
Highland Village
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Highland Village

See all things to do
See all things to do
Highland Village
4.5
338
#1 of 5 things to do in Iona
Historic Sites
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10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Experience the lifestyle of the Scots in Nova Scotia at the Village's Outdoor Pioneer Museum or look up your Cape Breton roots at the Genealogy and Family History Centre. The Highland Village is situated on a beautiful site overlooking the Bras d'Or Lakes and is open from May to mid October.
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
The Frolic'n Folk Pub & Grill
112
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Canadian
Jill's Chocolate Cafe
34
29 ft$$ - $$$ • Dessert • Cafe • Canadian
Wheelhouse Cafe
19
1.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Grand Narrows Waterfront Development Society
3
1.2 miPizza • Seafood • Soups
hot diggitty dog
1.4 miSeafood
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Attractions
7 within 6 miles
St. Barra st Columba Catholic Church
2
1 miChurches & Cathedrals
MacCormack Provincial Park
5
1 miParks
Bras d'Or Lake
101
Bodies of Water
Acadian Trail
87
Hiking Trails
Franey Mountain
66
Mountains
Gillis Point Lighthouse
3
2.8 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Lighthouses
Iona Port Beach
1 miBeaches
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
338 reviews
Excellent
247
Very good
76
Average
8
Poor
5
Terrible
2
Terence D
Halifax, Canada89 contributions
Meet some interesting characters
This was my second time here, the previous time being maybe 5 years prior. The first time was interesting, but a much better experience this time. There is a time line, and there are people situated in all the stopping points who are in character, and if you talk to them, they'll respond in character and give you a real feel for what life was like at the time represented. You have to play your part too. We went into one house that had a fiddle on the table and asked if anyone played. Sure enough, one of the residents did, and played for us.
Also, a nice drive to and from.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The Rick S
Florida21 contributions
One of our favorite attractions
Our family absolutely LOVED the Highland Village. The staff members are in character at each section of the village to offer a first hand account of the time period that they are representing. Our kids (ages 8 and 10) had the best time. Such a great experience - highly recommend.
Written July 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bryan W
Ottawa, Canada521 contributions
Worth visiting!
Couples
This place compliments our experience at the Fortress of Louisbourg nicely. The setting overlooking the Bras D’Or lakes is spectacular, and this outdoor museum is very well set up. We booked an online reservation, but it wasn’t needed - it wasn’t busy at all, and it was free. I’m not a huge fan of the characters in period costume that interact with you, but they were very well done - maybe better than Louisbourg. The idea of taking you through the buildings in sequence of time is clever and effective. I highly recommend this place.
Written August 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DotsGirl2
Vancouver, Canada330 contributions
A Walk Through Scottish immigration History
Friends
This outdoor village is so well down. The interpreters in each place really made history come alive. It is all walking around outside between the different buildings and it is a bit of a climb up to the start. We really enjoyed our time here
Written June 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
econospan
Chase, Canada113 contributions
very poor planning
we went in oct to visit this site... the weather was horrid. raining sideways type of thing.. we found the staff very unhelpful. showing the signs of the weather i think.. our guide was not attentive at all.. the site is not for the faint at heart... the guide would not keep pace with the majority of the group.. the climb is stressful when the conditions are not ideal. when the guide stopped to explain something, there was no thought at all about the weather. trying to listen was a chore and very concerning.. we went to the first hut. very smoky and lots of add ons to our group. we were shoved to extremities of the hut when more folks showed up.. when we left the add ons stayed with the group making it even more difficult to keep up.. we abandoned the tour shortly after and went on our own... there should be a means of transportation other than steep climbs.. like a horse and wagon.. just saying.
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
May S
4 contributions
Wonderful Place!
I was able to talk to so many people. They answered my questions and were very knowledgably. Nice to have so many staff around. Two great bathroom locations: clean and new! My almost two-year-old LOVED it! Many things to look at and enjoy! You can actually go in the homes which is nice!
Written July 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Deb C
Woodland Park, CO87 contributions
Don't miss the oatcakes!
Friends
LOVED THIS PLACE! Walk into the past at this outdoor museum celebrating the migration from Scotland. Open air museum. People in period dress discuss the different buildings, which represent each part of the migration from Scotland (stone croft) to well-developed Nova Scotia farm communities. And don't miss the fresh oatcakes (and recipe) and tea in the welcome center. Side note: There is a steep hill to walk up/down. My mom walks with a cane and was able to walk down (we were bused to the top).
Written November 4, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaxMacDonald
Oatcakes are very tasty indeed! Did you try the recipe? I'm glad you took the opportunity to drive your Mom to the upper part of the Village and that she got along fine from there. Thanks for writing.
Written November 12, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Faithfultraveler
Halifax, Canada670 contributions
An absolute must!!!
This impressive outdoor living history museum tells the story of Gaelic settlement in Cape Breton. It was rainy and a bit foggy on the day of our visit, but we found it only added to the ambiance. All of the villagers were dressed in period costumes and provided first-person narration of stories and experiences appropriate to the time.
They were clearly knowledgeable and passionate about sharing their Gaelic culture and identity, and it felt like we had travelled back in time and were visiting these characters in their own homes. Many of the villagers were also fluent Gaelic speakers which added to the authenticity of the experience. There is also a nice gift shop providing an opportunity to purchase some of the items that are actually made by the villagers.
Of course the changes required due to Covid meant that we couldn't partake in sampling some of the goodies that emerged from the warm ovens, but the wonderful aromas wafting through the air enhanced our overall experience.
We would highly recommend a visit to this unique and fun museum!
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wetherstone P
Midland, Canada195 contributions
Excellent Even on a Rainy Day
Have visited this attraction multiple times but brought some family members this time who had never been to Cape Breton. It was a rainy day and I was disappointed that the view from the village was foggy (it did clear slightly before we left and my family was impressed). There was an interpreter in every building and they were all excellent at providing information about the various buildings and life at the time. We had to rush through the last few as it was closing time but this is a place I would recommend for all ages.
Written October 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaxMacDonald
Thank you for taking the time to write. We have just finished a very busy season and this puts an exclamation point on a great year at the Village!
Written October 23, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Frederick G
Flemington, NJ381 contributions
The hilltop setting helps
Couples
If it weren't for the hilltop panoramic setting, I'd give it a 3 star rating. So, so for these typical recreated villages. The walk can be problematic for some and the rest rooms are luckily down by the large parking area. Didn't really do it for me, I think the pig was actually the highlight!
Written December 26, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MaxMacDonald
Thank you for taking the time to tell us about your visit. We agree that the view over the Bras d'Or Lakes from the top the Highland Village is wonderful.
Written January 3, 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Highland Village (Iona) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Highland Village
Highland Village is open:
  • Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Buy tickets in advance on Tripadvisor. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel at least 24 hours before the start date of your tour for a full refund.
We recommend booking Highland Village tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Highland Village tours on Tripadvisor